Lambivac
Active substance
ATC code
Species
Sheep and pigs.
Indications
Sheep
For the active immunisation of sheep to:
- reduce clinical signs and mortality due to the toxin of Clostridium tetani (Tetanus);
- reduce mortality due to the epsilon toxin of Clostridium perfringens (Pulpy kidney);
- induce a serological response against the beta toxin of Clostridium perfringens (Struck, Lamb dysentery).
The vaccine may be used in pregnant ewes to provide passive immunisation of lambs, provided that the lambs receive sufficient immune colostrum during the first 12 hours of life, to:
- reduce clinical signs and mortality due to the toxin of Costridium tetani (Tetanus);
- reduce mortality due to the epsilon toxin of Clostridium perfringens (Pulpy kidney)
- induce a serological response against the beta toxin of Clostridium perfringens (Lamb dysentery).
Significant levels of immunity cannot be expected until two weeks after the second dose of vaccine in the primary vaccination course.
From experience from field use, the duration of active immunity in lambs and sheep is expected to last one year. The duration of passive protection in lambs is approximately 12 weeks provided that the lambs receive sufficient immune colostrum during the first 12 hours of life.
Pigs
For active immunisation of sows against tetanus caused by Clostridium tetani.
Significant levels of immunity cannot be expected until two weeks after the second dose of vaccine in the primary vaccination course. From experience from field use, the duration of active immunity in pigs is expected to last one year.
The vaccine may be used in pregnant sows to provide passive immunisation of piglets, provided that the piglets receive sufficient immune colostrum during the first 12 hours of life, to:
- reduce clinical signs and mortality due to the toxin of Clostridium tetani
(Tetanus);
- induce a serological response against to the toxin of Clostridium perfringens type C (Enterotoxemia).
The duration of the passive protection in piglets is 14 days.
Dose to be administered and administration route
The vaccine should be administered by subcutaneous injection in the lateral side of the upper neck observing aseptic precautions.
Sheep and lambs: 2 ml/dose
Pigs: 5 ml/dose
Sheep
All sheep from 3 weeks of age onwards and not previously vaccinated with Lambivac must receive two injections separated by an interval of 4-6 weeks to be completed before onset of the period of risk. Thereafter they should receive booster injections 2-3 weeks prior to identified risk periods with intervals of not more than 12 months. In adult breeding ewes these yearly booster injections should be given during the pre-lambing period, 4-6 weeks pre-lambing, to allow passive protection of lambs via colostrum.
Pigs
Two injections with an interval of at least 3 weeks between injections, the second dose to be administered at least 3 weeks before farrowing. The preferred schedule is vaccination at 6 and 3 weeks prior to the expected date of farrowing. Only a single booster dose is required in subsequent pregnancies at approximately 3-4 weeks pre-farrowing.
The vaccine bottle must be shaken well before use.
Syringes and needles must be from gamma irradiated packs or freshly sterilised by boiling for at least 20 minutes. No alcohol or other disinfectants should be used for sterilisation.
The use of an automatic vaccinator is recommended. Since the bottle is noncollapsible, a vaccinator with a vented draw-off spike or similar device must be used. The instructions supplied with such equipment should be noted and care should be taken to ensure the delivery of the full dose, particularly with the final few doses from the bottle.
Adverse reactions
Occasional hypersensitivity may occur.
Vaccination may result in small (<10 cm) transient injection site reactions possibly lasting for up to 3-4 months after vaccination.
Local tissue irritating effects of alhydrogel-adjuvanted vaccines reveal granulomatous inflammatory reactions consisting mainly of activated macrophages containing foamy cytoplasm, epithelioid cells, small lymphocytes and multinuclear giant cells.
